'Star Wars: Episode VII' gets Dec. 2015 release

The Associated Press

Posted:
11/07/2013 02:56:36 PM MST

Updated:
11/07/2013 02:56:37 PM MST

NEW YORK—For the first time in the franchise's history, a "Star Wars" film won't be released in the summer.

Walt Disney Studios announced Thursday that "Star Wars: Episode VII" will open in theaters on Dec. 18, 2015. The original 1977 film helped set the precedent of the summer blockbuster. But this latest installation in George Lucas' space opera will be a holiday season affair.